ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Home Affairs
MHA Advisory against use of National Flag made of plastic
Calls for strict compliance of ‘Flag Code of India, 2002’ and ‘The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971’
Ahead of the Independence Day, the Ministry of Home Affairs has issued an Advisory to the Chief Secretaries/Administrators of all State Governments/UT Administrations, Secretaries of all Ministries / Departments of Govt. of India to ensure strict compliance of the provisions contained in the 'Flag Code of India, 2002' and 'The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971'. The Advisory reiterates that the National Flag represents the hopes and aspirations of the people of our country and hence should occupy a position of honour. There is universal affection and respect for, and loyalty to, the National Flag. Yet, a perceptible lack of awareness is often noticed amongst people as well as organizations/agencies of the Government in regard to laws, practices and conventions that apply to display of the National Flag. The Advisory directs that mass awareness programmes be carried out in this regard and also give it wide publicity through advertisements in the electronic and print media.
Further, it has been brought to notice of the MHA that on the occasions of important national, cultural and sports events, the National Flags made of plastic are also being used in place of National Flags made of paper. Since, plastic flags are not easily biodegradable like paper flags, these do not get decomposed for a long time and ensuring appropriate disposal of National Flags made of plastic commensurate with dignity of the flag, is a practical problem. The Advisory asks that on the occasions of important national, cultural and sports events, Flags made of paper only are used by public in terms of the provisions of the 'Flag Code of India, 2002' and such paper Flags are not discarded or thrown on the ground after the event. Such Flags are to be disposed of, in private, consistent with the dignity of the Flag. It is requested to give wide publicity, for not using the National Flag made of plastic, in the electronic and print media.
A copy each of 'The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971' and 'Flag Code of India, 2002' which governs display of National Flag, are available on MHA's website at https://mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/nationalFlagEmblemAnthemEng_06082018_0.pdf
Ministry of Jal Shakti
Har Ghar Jal Yojana
To meet the rising aspirations of people living in villages to have piped water supply in their homes, since August 2019, Government of India is implementing Jal Jeevan Mission, in partnership with States to make provision of tap water supply to every rural household and public institutions in villages like schools, anganwadi centres, ashramshalas , health centres, Gram Panchayat building, etc., by 2024. The estimated outlay of the mission is Rs. 3.60 lakh Crore, out of which Central share is Rs. 2.08 lakh Crore.
At the time of announcement of Jal Jeevan Mission, out of 18.93 Crore rural households, 3.23 Crore  households were reported to have tap water connections. So far, 5.72 Crore  rural households have been provided with tap water connections in last 29 months. Thus, as of date, out of 19.28 Crore rural households in the country, 8.95 Crore  households are reported to have tap water supply in their homes. So far, provision of tap water supply have been made in 8.45 lakh  schools and 8.64 lakh  anganwadi centres and 3.40 lakh  health centres/ Gram Panchayat building etc. have been made.
The State/ UT, district & village-wise status of tap water connection in rural households, schools and anganwadi centres etc. as reported by States/ UTs is in public domain and available on JJM dashboard at:
https://ejalshakti.gov.in/jjmreport/JJMIndia.aspx
With assured tap water supply, JJM is playing a significant role in bringing 'ease of living' for rural community, especially women. Assured availability of safe drinking water in the household premises will improve the health and thereby socio-economic condition of rural population and will also bring down the drudgery of rural women, especially girls, who travel long distances to bring water home. With the implementation of the mission, participation of women in income generation opportunities is also expected to improve thereby reducing loss of school days for girls and adverse health impacts.
This Information was given by the Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Shri Prahlad Singh Patel in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID19 Vaccination: Myths vs. Facts
No scientific evidences found linking COVID19 vaccination with infertility in men and women
COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for all lactating women
There have been media reports expressing concerns regarding infertility due to COVID-19 vaccination amongst population of reproductive age and whether COVID-19 vaccination is safe for lactating women.
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare  has clarified in the FAQs posted on the website  that none of the available vaccines affects fertility of either men or women, as all vaccines and their constituents are tested first on animals and later in humans to assess if they have any such side effects. Vaccines are authorized for use only after their safety and efficacy is assured.
Furthermore, in order to curb the prevalent myth regarding infertility due to COVID-19 vaccination, the Government of India has clarified  that there are no scientific evidences suggesting COVID-19 vaccination can cause infertility in men and women. The vaccines have been found to be safe and effective.
In a recent interview, Dr. N. K Arora, Chairperson of COVID-19 Working Group of National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization  has countered these fears and allegations. He said that misinformation was also created during the administering of Polio vaccine in India and abroad that children who are getting the vaccine may face infertility in the future. He assured that all vaccines go through intense scientific researches and none of the vaccines have this sort of side-effect.

The National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19  has also recommended the COVID-19 vaccination for all lactating women, terming it as safe with no need to stop or pause breastfeeding before or after the vaccination. .
Ministry of Tourism
India bags the Award of Excellence for ‘Best in Show’ at New York Times Travel Show 2019
India received the Award of Excellence for ‘Best in Show’ at the recently concluded New York Times Travel Show 2019, the largest travel show in North America, held from 25th – 27th January in New York, USA.
Shri Yogendra Tripathi, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism receives the Award of Excellence
The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India participated as the ‘ Presenting Partner’ in the New York Times Travel Show  organised at Jacob K Javits Centre, New York with a view to scale up its tourism promotional efforts in the US, enhance India’s visibility and to increase its share of US Outbound travel market.
A high level delegation led by Shri Yogendra Tripathi, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and a number of stakeholders from India’s tourism industry participated in the Show. A number of India centric activities were organised at the Show including ‘Focus on India’ and Consumer Seminars, Indian cultural performances, Indian Culinary Demonstration, Food tasting, etc. The Tourism Secretary also interacted with a number of leading travel professionals from the US at the Trade Key Note Session during the Show and sought their continued support in positioning India in the US. India was honoured during the Closing Bell Ceremony at the New York Stock Exchange.
Ministry of Finance
Gross Direct Tax collections for the Financial Year  2022-23 register a growth of 25.90%
Net Direct Tax collections for the FY 2022-23 grow at over 19.81%
Advance Tax collections for the FY 2022-23 stand at Rs. 5,21,302 crore as on 17.12.2022 which shows a growth of 12.83%
Refunds aggregating to Rs. 2,27,896 crore issued in the current fiscal
The figures of Direct Tax collections for the Financial Year 2022-23, as on 17.12.2022 show that net collections are at Rs. 11,35,754 crore, compared to Rs. 9,47,959 crore in the corresponding period of the preceding Financial Year i.e FY 2021-22, representing an increase of 19.81%.
The Net Direct Tax collection of Rs. 11,35,754 crore  includes Corporation Tax  at Rs. 6,06,679 crore  and Personal Income Tax  including Securities Transaction Tax at Rs. 5,26,477 crore .
The Gross collection of Direct Taxes  for the FY 2022-23 stands at Rs. 13,63,649 crore compared to Rs. 10,83,150 crore in the corresponding period of the preceding financial year, registering a growth of 25.90% over collections of F.Y. 2021-22.
The Gross collection of Rs. 13,63,649 crore includes Corporation Tax  at Rs. 7,25,036 crore and Personal Income Tax  including Securities Transaction Tax at Rs. 6,35,920 crore. Minor head wise collection comprises Advance Tax of Rs. 5,21,302 crore; Tax Deducted at Source of Rs. 6,44,761 crore; Self-Assessment Tax of Rs. 1,40,105 crore; Regular Assessment Tax of Rs. 46,244 crore; and Tax under other minor heads of Rs. 11,237 crore.
The cumulative Advance Tax collections for the first, second and third quarter of the F.Y. 2022-23 stand at Rs. 5,21,302 crore as on 17.12.2022, against Advance Tax collections of Rs. 4,62,038 crore for the corresponding period of the immediately preceding Financial Year i.e. 2021-22, showing a growth of 12.83%. The Advance Tax collection of Rs. 5,21,302 crore as on 17.12.2022 includes Corporation Tax  at Rs. 3,97,364 crore and Personal Income Tax  at Rs. 1,23,936 crore.
There has been a remarkable increase in the speed of processing of income tax returns filed during the current fiscal, with almost 96.5% of the duly verified ITRs having been processed till 17.12.2022. This has resulted in faster issue of refunds with almost a 109% increase in the number of refunds issued in the current financial year. Refunds amounting to Rs. 2,27,896 crore have been issued in the FY 2022-23 till 17.12.2022, as against refunds of Rs.1,35,191 crore issued during the corresponding period in the preceding Financial Year 2021-22, showing a growth of over 68.57%.
Ministry of Railways
South Western Railway bags Safety Shield pertaining to Train Operations for 2017-18
During the year 2017-18, South Western Railway  has registered best figures & tremendous improvements in key areas of Safety pertaining to train operations among all Zonal Railways. Recognizing the efforts of SWR undertaken for improving Safety, Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of Railways & Coal awarded the Railway Minister’s Safety Shield for 2017-18 to South Western Railway in an annual award event. The number of accidents has come down in SWR from 11 in 2014-15 to 8 in 2015-16, 3 in 2016-17 to 01 in 2017-18.
“Safety is our first and foremost priority and safety performance has improved through the collective will & rigorous and sustained efforts of all train running staff in SWR. Safety action plan with motto of “Zero accidents” was prepared, being strictly implemented and periodically reviewed,” said Shri A.K. Gupta, General Manager ,South Western Railway.
Activities and consistent efforts taken upby SWR in direction of improving safety.
- Budget outlay was increased to nearly Rs..3000 Cr. from Rs.1000 Cr. few years back.
- Gate Mitras round of the clock have been deployed at all unmanned Level crossing gates.
- 27 Unmanned Level Crossing gates eliminated by Construction of ROB/RUB/subway against target of 25 in 2017-18
- Rashtriya Rail SanrakshaKosh   has been setup in 2017-18 Budget by Ministry .SWR could book funds to the tune of Rs. 687 Cr. in 2017-18 under this head .Bulk of the funds in this head are being spent on track renewals for safety & up gradation of vital assets such as track etc.
- Shift towards safer LHB coaches.
- Infrastructure augmentation of maintenance facilities
- SWR completed 202 Track-Km of rail renewal in 2017-18, which is highest ever in history of SWR about 115% more than that of corresponding figures in 2016-17.
Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of Railways & Coal awarded Safety Shield to Shri A.K.Gupta, General Manager, South Western Railways
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
SHRI THAAWARCHAND GEHLOT E-INAUGURATES NEW BUILDING OF NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF SOCIAL DEFENCE DWARKA, NEW DELHI
Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot e-inaugurated the new building of National Institute of Social Defence  Sector-10, Dwarka, New Delhi today. In his inaugural address, Shri Gehlot said that NISD is the nodal training and research institute in the field of social defence which focuses on human resource development for drug abuse prevention, welfare of senior citizens and transgenders, beggary prevention, and other social defence issues. It provides inputs for the social defence programmes to the Government of India. It also conducts training and research in the field, apart from ensuring the implementation of various programmes under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction and National Action Plan for Senior Citizens.
Dr. Virendra Singh, Director, NISD made a Power Point Presentation on new building of NISD on the occasion.
NISD’s major areas of concern are Substance Abuse Prevention, Care of Older Persons, and Other Social Defence issues including Beggary Prevention, and welfare of Transgenders. The institute conducts research on social defence issues, apart from compiling and analysing statistics in the area. Through its Project Monitoring Unit , NISD is also responsible for the monitoring of schemes and programmes by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. NISD organises sensitization programmes on drug abuse prevention, beggary prevention, care for older persons, and welfare of transgenders, and provides training to the functionaries of concerned departments of the central and state governments, service providers/ caregivers, and academicians and professionals of schools of social work and concerned academic institutions.
NISD has three main divisions, namely National Centre for Drug Abuse Prevention , Old Age Care Division and Social Defence. NCDAP implements the activities of National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction through Community-based Peer-Led Intervention & Outreach Drop-In-Centres across states. The Old Age Care Division runs a series of programmes/certificate courses to develop a cadre of professionals for the care and welfare of older persons. It organises the courses by itself and in collaboration with the Regional Resource Training Centres  and other reputed organizations. The Social Defence division trains/sensitizes the Govt./NGOs/Panchayat/Police functionaries and Social Work professionals on social defence issues like beggary prevention and transgender welfare through its national-level one-month programmes and short-term state-level programmes. NISD, through its divisions, conducts training and capacity-building programmes in collaboration with RRTCs and government-aided institutions, thereby strengthening the workforce in the field of social defence.
Ministry of Tribal Affairs
Social Security Scheme for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups
Ministry of Tribal Affairs is likely to make a Social Security Scheme for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups . It is also administering the scheme of 'Mechanism for Marketing of Minor Forest Produce  through Minimum Support Price  and Development of Value Chain for MFP' under which it is ensured that the gatherers of Minor Forest Produce, most of whom belong to Scheduled Tribes, get fair returns for their efforts in collection of the notified forest produce.
Further, Government has introduced the Van DhanVikasKaryakram under this scheme to improve the skills of the MFP gatherers in sustainable cultivation of MFPs, their Value Addition, providing necessary tools and facilities, etc. which will further improve the returns to the beneficiaries.
This information was given by Minister for Tribal Affairs in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Prime Minister's Office
PM pays homage to Lord Basaveshwara on Basava Jayanthi today, in a video message
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi paid homage to Lord Basaveshwara and greeted the people on the occasion of Basava Jayanthi, the Birth anniversary of Lord Basaveshwara, in a video message today .
Basava Jayanthi is an annual event celebrated in the honour of the birth of Vishwaguru Basaveshwara, the 12th century philosopher and social reformer.
Global Basava Jayanthi – 2020 is being held digitally today, connecting followers in India and abroad.
In his message, Prime Minister sought blessings of Lord Basaveshwara to give country the strength for defeating the pandemic coronavirus.
Prime Minister recalled that on many occasions earlier, he had the privilege of learning from the teachings of Lord Basaveshwara, be it the event of the translations of holy Vachanas into 23 languages, or the unveiling of Basaveshwara Statue in London.
Describing Lord Basaveshwara as a great reformer and a great administrator, Prime Minister said Lord Basaveshwara did not just preach about the reforms he wanted in the individuals or in the society but also adopted and inculcated them in his own life.
Prime Minister said the teachings of Lord Basaveshwara are the source of spiritual knowledge, as well as serve as the practical guide of our lives. His teachings teach us to be a better human being, and to make our society liberal, kind and humane. He had guided our society on issues of social and gender equality, several centuries ago.
Prime Minister said Lord Basaveshwara laid the foundations of a democracy, which prioritises, and promotes the rights of person, standing on the last rungs of the society. Basavanna had touched each and every aspect of human life, and had suggested solutions to improve it, he added.
Prime Minister was also pleased to note the extensive work done on the digitization of holy Vachanas of Basavanna, the suggestion Prime Minister had made in 2017.
Appreciating the Basava Samithi for conducting today’s event digitally across the world, Prime Minister said this sets a perfect example for conducting an event while also following the guidelines of lockdown.
The Prime Minister said, “Today, Indians feel that change starts with them. This belief is helping the country to overcome challenges.” He urged to carry forward and strengthen this message of hope and faith. This will inspire us to work hard and will take our nation to new heights, he added. He urged to keep spreading Lord Basavanna's works and his ideals around the world to make the world a better place.
While wishing the people on Basava Jayanti, Prime Minister also stressed on following the rule of “Do Gaj Doori” in order to maintain social distance.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Despite Covid, NHAI awards 60% more length of projects during first half of FY 2020-21 as compared to same period last year
Awards1330 km Length of Projects Worth Rs. 47,289 Crore During Apr-Sept 2020
Highest Length of Projects Awarded in FY 20-21 as Compared to Last Three Years During the Same Period
National Highways Authority of India  under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has awarded projects for a total cumulative length of 1330 km in the current Financial Year. The Authority reports that projects awarded so far in first half of the current Financial Year are1.6 times higher of 828 km awarded in FY 19-20 and 3.5 times higher of 373 km awarded in FY18-19 during the same period. For the awarded projects, NHAI has already completed atleast 80 to 90 percent of the land acquisition, actioned utilities shifting and has obtained required clearances from various forest and environment authorities.
As per an NHAI statement, during April to September 2020, it awarded a total of 40 projects covering 1330 km length. Capital cost of these 40 projects is Rs. 47,289 crore, which includes cost of civil work, land acquisition, and other pre- construction activities. NHAI has set a target of awarding 4500 km of projects during current Financial Year and is likely to exceed the target.
NHAI is committed to improve ease of doing business and facilitate better working relationshipwith all its stakeholders. Recently, NHAI has agreed to implement various suggestions made by different industry bodies towards improving National Highways. NHAI has taken various initiatives from time to time to instil confidence of the bidders in the Road Sector.
In March 2020, NHAI disbursed Rs. 10,000 crore through online payments and ensured that no payments remain pending due to closure of office during the lock down. In the first quarter of current Financial Year, NHAI disbursed more than Rs. 15,000 crore to the vendors. Additionally, steps such as monthly payments to the contractors were taken to ensure cash flow to the contractors. Such moderations will result in a spiraling effect not only on the growth of the road sector but will also play a critical role in nation building and advancing the growth of the Indian Economy.
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Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
ACC approvals
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet  has approved the following:
1. The ACC has approved the appointment of Shri Arvind Kumar, IPS , Special Director, Intelligence Bureau as Director, Intelligence Bureau vice Shri Rajiv Jain on completion of his tenure on 30.06.2019 for a tenure of two years from the date of assumption of charge of the post or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
2. The ACC has approved the appointment of Shri Samant Kumar Goel, IPS , Special Secretary, Cabinet Secretariat  as Secretary, Research & Analysis Wing  vice Shri A.K. Dhasmana on completion of his tenure on 29.06.2019 for a tenure of two years from the date of assumption of charge of the post, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
3. The ACC has approved the extension of tenure of Shri Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI Aayog for a further period of two years beyond 30.06.2019 i.e. up to 30.06.2021, on the same terms and conditions, as approved earlier.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Update on COVID-19 Vaccine Availability in States/UTs
More than 139 Crore vaccine doses provided to States/UTs
More than 20.13 Crore balance and unutilized vaccine doses still available with States/UTs
The Union Government is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country. The nationwide COVID 19 vaccination started on 16th January 2021. The new phase of universalization of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from 21st June 2021. The vaccination drive has been ramped up through availability of more vaccines, advance visibility of vaccine availability to States and UTs for enabling better planning by them, and streamlining the vaccine supply chain.
As part of the nationwide vaccination drive, Government of India has been supporting the States and UTs by providing them COVID Vaccines free of cost. In the new phase of the universalization of the COVID19 vaccination drive, the Union Government will procure and supply  75% of the vaccines being produced by the vaccinemanufacturers in the country to States and UTs.
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VACCINE DOSES
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SUPPLIED
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1,39,06,60,790
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BALANCE AVAILABLE
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20,13,38,526
More than 139 crore  vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far through Govt of India  and through direct state procurement category.
More than 20.13Cr  balance and unutilized COVID Vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.